Chapter Text
Truth be told, Abolish had subconsciously known what he was getting into when he got involved with Oakhurst. He knew that vampires existed, but...he merely didn't want to stress out mere bystanders with such a fact. It's why he preferred to keep a neutral stand on it...
If he decided to feed into the 'propaganda' early on, his name would've been initially uttered as a believer of false beliefs, which would've brought attention to him.
In other words, caused him problems.
He knew those books held truth, that Morcant knew more than he did. The Veylocke name had more significance when it came to dealing with vampires.
A usual, logical standpoint? Vampires' existence was out of the ordinary, mere folklore meant to scare children — a thing that isn't real.
Although what sense do you have if you think seeing is believing?
Vampire existence, voluntary or not, would be covered up. Both for their safety and for humans.
He learnt of the dangerous tales that were spun around vampires, and all the tricks and skills on how to avoid them, should an interaction with an unfortunate few of...bad come to play.
Abolish's first instruction, and most important instruction, when he first got involved with this...shadow organisation —
Work in the shadows. Draw no attention to yourself. But when the time is right, that is when you reveal.
His tactics were learnt, calculated...
All but precise and focused on survival and efficiency.
Perhaps that's what made people start to question him the moment his ideas were noticed.
Vampires...he knew how to destroy them...or build them up. Today? He was going to make sure every last sinew of their bodies was ash.
After all, the smell of fire was always a pleasure.
Maybe he had gotten used to it, considering how effective it was against those who dared oppose him then.
Perhaps, it was more so due to the fact that he knew that whatever could've harmed his parents would be engulfed in flames. Unable to be immune to its sting.
He knew fire, how it burnt — how it acted on its own. Like a breathing, dancing being with its own free will.
Maybe that's the beauty of it. The horrid, ravenous depravity of which it causes.
Well, now that he was standing in front of the threat before him, he knew that the first instinct he had...
Was to set it all ablaze.
The lantern was held out before him, just like those around as well. Or, at least he assumed so.
And before he could think about the past for a moment longer, the very ground was alit with the suffering of former deeds.
He heard a scream, one he tuned out.
Feeling sympathy for those who would cause him harm in the future was useless.
They're a problem, and the Veylocke name seeks to remove all problems. Especially involved with vampires.
He never lingered too long on his feet, didn't have to. A vampire was swift, but he was going to be even faster.
From the moment he read those words,
"hoc vinculum tibi dirumpo mala creatura"
He knew that too many of the people — no, vampires — would never give away what they were given.
Not when vampirism seemed so cherished towards them...and that very vampirism is what helped them with the destruction of those near him.
He knew he was doing the right thing. He learnt of the chaos such beings could bring, and how they were just as human as others — but how some were driven mad with the power given to them.
They no longer had a choice, as Abolish would make this one for them.
There was no point in fully ending their lives without cause, but there was definitely a point when it came to bringing those consumed by darkness to the light.
Well, what happened now? There was fire, there was blood...
There was injury, there was death...
There was a cure, and there was a curse.
He stood there. Lost in thought, maybe...
Or maybe all too aware of what was going on around him.
He was attuned to what was going on, and right now, he felt...
Tired.
He felt as if moving was going to make his entire body go limp.
So he stood there, locked in place for a moment. They couldn't harm him — no, not at all. He was leaning against a block of silver, the grounds details innate and defined before him.
He remembered when he was told he couldn't leave, that the beacons here were keeping him stuck.
That's when he knew he couldn't stall any longer.
He didn't seek to claim this place, nor did he seek dominion. He sought out a cause, far too noble for someone like himself.
He wanted to return home. To where he came from in the first place.
He was just meant to get in, get out, and not get noticed unless he had to.
Who knew this would've gone south so quickly? It was exasperating to know that people could be this tiring.
At least he was somewhat off to the side...mostly.
He knew people were still questioning him somewhat, wanting to figure out more about him in some way. Maybe not about himself — rather his organisation...but he'd rather die than say a word.
Ah, right. The current situation. He should focus.
He pushed himself off the block of silver, his eyes darting to where the people around him were.
He should have some discussions with them and find out their plans.
He shouldn't be so on edge, but he preferred to stick to himself. Being quieter than the others was an advantage, so he had to hold it together.
Especially if he wanted to crack the glass settled before him.
Doc...The doc has to be thinking of something. He's probably the person who seemed to bring redemption for the vampires in the first place.
How he wonders that perspective changed...
"Hey, Legundo."
Abolish walked up towards him, waving subtly.
"Oh. Abolish. Hey."
From Abolish's observation, Legundo was just as drained as he was, if not more. Well, he wasn't sure what he was going to say...
...Maybe he should've had more of a plan when it came to talking with others, especially more... casually.
"So...any thoughts you want to share?"
Abolish questioned, his steps slightly unsteady, yet firm enough to uphold himself. He wonders how he handled his occupation so well formerly, especially with how draining this has become so soon. Although it was probably just the full-scale emotional effects, considering this...involved his parents more than any mission he had to deal with back then.
How...exhausting.
Gosh.
"Not...right now. I'm certain everybody is exhausted..."
"Vampire or not."
Legundo sighed, shaking his head. He could see why the surgeon would think such. Being drained could definitely make your words...different from usual.
"Fair. I'm going to the dead woods."
Abolish stated blankly, his mind set on going there. Already making the steps without even having to think about it.
"Wait, Abolish. Why?"
Legundo followed behind him slightly. He knew that he didn't have a good understanding of who Abolish was or his motives, but what could possibly be important to him within those dead ruins?
"I...need a break from all of this. I'd like to distance myself from the town, at least for now. I'm just...drained, and I'd like to be alone."
Abolish glanced towards Legundo. He didn't know what else to say — not really.
What was there even potentially to describe how he was feeling? He was always prepared, and he was prepared to have a place to rest as well.
"...Okay, can I come with you then? We may have the vampires low, but I'd prefer to know you're safe."
Legundo shook his head.
"I can handle myself. I'm more capable than anyone here."
Abolish stated firmly. He knew the doc should prioritise other things, rather than just occupying him in some random forest.
I mean, random forests were always better for calm moments — he supposed. And...well, the forest near the town was burnt down. Due to him, at that.
"I'm aware, Abolish, although I think I need a break too. So, can I come with you or not?"
Legundo folded his arms. Maybe the entire reason the surgeon stayed behind the group was to see if anybody strayed from the others, and it seems Abolish tended to do just that.
Except now, there wasn't as much as a pressing issue that would lead Legundo to have to leave Abolish to his own devices once more.
"...Fine. Just...be quiet."
Abolish relented, turning his focus back onto moving and leaving as soon as possible.
They made it to the dead forest. Abolish walked inside and looked around. He saw a black rose, which...symbolised a lot, in this moment.
He didn't expect to find one here, although it was interesting to know it seemed to be alive within the dying world around it.
Abolish kneeled to rest a gloved hand against it. His gaze was downcast.
He wondered why it seemed more alluring to him than any other red rose possibly could.
Perhaps it was the meaning, or the situation. Who knows.
"Abolish, don't be reckless. You might prick yourself."
Legundo scolded instinctively. He knew Abolish was careful, but he was so used to people getting injured over stupid things by now, he felt like nobody had common sense, even the one who probably had it more than he did.
"Yeah, yeah, I understand."
Abolish nodded, standing back up and looking towards Legundo and back towards the rose. It seemed to lead to more roses...
Off-putting, but there was beauty in that.
"The flowers are..."
He muttered, cautiously following the trail and looking at all the flowers around him.
Black roses weren't this common, right? Especially not when in such an...unliving plain.
Whatever, they were calming to a certain degree.
"Never mind, it doesn't matter."
Abolish sat down by them, closing his eyes. Hearing footsteps walk beside him, and sit down next to him.
"A break certainly is nice, isn't it?"
Legundo muttered, leaning back against a tree.
"Mhm..."
Abolish nodded, lying down. He could probably fall asleep right now...although he didn't want to burden Legundo with the responsibility of an unconscious person, he preferred to be at his house.
He shook his head, sitting back up and rubbing his eyes. Gosh, he was struggling to keep up with his movements and his words.
He felt disturbingly off-guard, and he hated that. He knew there weren't any true threats that could cause harm, but even then, he could barely lower that distressing feeling of uneasiness anytime that slight feeling of being unprepared kicked in.
"Abolish, you seem tired."
Legundo muttered. Normally, Legundo was never able to really tell if the other seemed tired — although now?
It was clearer than ever.
"I'm certain everybody is."
Abolish remarked in an exasperated tone, resting against his hand. How was he even keeping his eyes open? Seriously...Urghh...
"Well, let's get back to town. Regain our energy."
Legundo got up, looking back the way they came.
"...You can go ahead, I think I'll take a few more moments here."
Abolish muttered, lying down. Nope. He was going to fall asleep at this rate.
"...Sure."
Legundo remarked quickly, not actually going to leave. He wasn't really content with leaving Abolish resting there.
Legundo walked away, for now.
Abolish was in a limbo state. He couldn't wake up, and yet he wasn't completely asleep. It was...fine, really. He was used to having to sleep like this, especially when it came to having to be aware of certain...tasks.
Should he wake up? Well...try to wake up.
He was too tired for this...why was he thinking while sleeping??
Or really, why was he sleeping while awake?? Gosh. Urh.
Wait...footsteps? No no no...
Get up, get up...wake up!...
Was someone else there?? Who could be...?
Was ..-? No, he left...right?
He heard the footsteps getting closer...
And closer....
Oh gosh...
Why couldn't he get up?!?!
His mind froze as he heard the footsteps stop in front of him.
Abolish didn't know what was going on; he couldn't see anything. All he could do was hear and feel the area around him...and this dead silence pained him. The sheer stillness in the air and the grass brushing against him...urhf...get up....
He felt himself being rolled onto his back.
What was...-?
He felt an arm hook under his legs, and another going around his back.
He was getting moved to somewhere else...? He couldn't really tell, but he could sense this wasn't a vampire by the beating of a heart that he could hear now that he was resting against a surface. Presumably somebody's chest.
He didn't know what to do, considering he felt like he wanted to awake, but he also struggled to not just finally fall asleep.
Ugh...he was too tired for this, literally.
...But, he wanted to know who was carrying him, anyway.
Abolish winced as he struggled to force himself into consciousness, tensing and barely realising his movement before the person carrying him stopped.
He opened his eyes slightly, gazing up towards the source.
Ah...as he expected, it was Legundo.
Of course, he wouldn't leave anybody in these forests. He should've expected this...sigh.
"Legundo-"
"Just rest, I'll take you back."
Legundo interrupted Abolish before he could say anything more. Abolish didn't know what to say, so he just gave up.
He wasn't intent on trying to argue right now.
So, he closed his eyes...
And was set into that plain feel of being in between worlds once more...before eventually falling into the one that deprived him of his senses.
Abolish woke up, looking around and getting up.
A new day already, huh?
Thinking back on the events from the previous day, he didn't think he was capable of being so trusting...but he supposed a doctor knows how to treat a patient...
And Abolish was too tired to care in that moment.
Well...now that the conundrum with the castle is over, he should be able to leave...maybe give some of his goodbyes first.
Check on the former...vampires, since they were still in his concern, somewhat.
And...then get to making a grave.
Then, maybe, he could leave.
...He really hoped he could. He had a family waiting... obviously. Even if that family was practically just an organisation disguised as a 'home'.
He chose this life, so there wasn't any need to get all ...judging.
Abolish sighed, shaking his head and going downstairs.
He checked his furnace, seeing the melted silver and taking it. It'll be helpful when he has to go on the job again, eventually.
Abolish collected all the things from the barrels and stored them in his inventory, only leaving the unneeded things within the storage units.
He left the home, walking out.
Abolish didn't exactly detail much of his conversations with the others, as his mind was...too conflicted to do so.
He didn't focus on their words, so he couldn't exactly recount them...
But here he was. Outside the town, building a grave for parents he barely remembered.
It felt... relieving, in a way.
To know he was finally burying the memories along with them..
He sat there for a moment, sitting in front of the grave.
He had done this before, although those coffins weren't made by him, and he was mourning the same thing nonetheless.
"This is... probably my last, and final goodbye... I've always wondered why I felt like I was missing nothing and everything for no reason. Maybe it just didn't sit right with me at the time. Maybe that's because you both were nothing, merely corpses. And...I never really had any sentimental attachment. Not to either of you. Not like we had the chance to bond or anything, but... it's...relieving to know you two can rest here. Rest knowing I made it through this."
Abolish declared in a sombre tone, his words somewhat...nervous, or perhaps merely streaked with a painful finality. What else could be shared with the dead? To his parents?
"...That...your son made it through this."
He quietly added on, looking down at the soil. He put a hand over his chest.
Maybe as a final declaration that they could rest, that they no longer had to live in his memories and could be amongst the field of the departed.
He... didn't know why; he didn't have any connection to them.
Maybe it was the experience of what happened...he refused to accept it. It made him angry; it made him want to destroy anything left of them. He tried to ask Morcant to say something about them, to no avail. He was...upset, and barely could handle anything at all...
But now?
While staring at the grave before him...
He could finally just accept that maybe it was okay if they were gone. He made it out.
"...Rest well."
Abolish spoke aloud with a trembling tone, his final goodbye to whatever might've stayed with him in his grief. Wetness forming in his eyes.
He knew he could prevent...or at least help those who could ever go through the same thing.
And he knew...that whatever happened now... it'll be fine.
Abolish closed his eyes, his hand tightening over his chest.
His breathing was faint and shaky, tears streaming down his face.
It was over. And now he could finally go home.
The soft crunch of leaves made him aware of another's presence, making him wipe his tears as he opened his eyes to see who it was. The sounds stopped before him. He could tell who that was by now.
"Hey...Legs."
Abolish remarked quietly, looking towards Legundo.
"Abolish, hey. I wanted to say goodbye one last time...but it seems I'm interrupting a goodbye myself?"
Legundo jested lightly, sitting down beside Abolish.
"No, no... It's fine. I mean... they're already gone, I've probably said too many goodbyes to them."
Abolish shook his head.
"... It's good to know you could do this now. Say your last goodbyes, I mean."
"...Yeah."
Abolish nodded at Legundo's exclamation. He didn't know what else to say in this situation.
"What are you planning to do once you leave?"
Abolish questioned, gazing towards Legundo.
"... Probably keep working as a medical professional, or retire."
Legundo shrugged. At least the doctor seemed less stressed than usual.
"I see. I wish you well on that journey."
Abolish nodded, looking back towards the grave.
"...And you?"
Legundo questioned.
"I'll... probably go home and get back to work."
Abolish remarked plainly, not exposing too much lest he give too much information.
"Well, be safe, Abolish."
Legundo patted him on the shoulder. It was comforting to know at least one person cared for him in this messed up hellscape.
"...You too, Legundo."
Abolish remarked, getting up.
"Well...I guess we separate from here?"
He muttered, reaching out his hand to the surgeon.
"I suppose...well, may we meet again."
Legundo took Abolish's hand, pulling himself up.
"...Yeah. I'll see if we could ever meet in the future. See you."
Abolish waved goodbye, leaving.
Now...it was off to the manor.
What would Morcant and the others have to say about what occurred here?
They'd probably be pretty concerned...or intrigued, depending on who he asks.
Well, he supposed he would just have to witness those reactions for himself.